Human papillomavirus DNA detection, p16INK4a, and oral cavity cancer in a U.S. population

Strong expression of p16 in a gingival tumor positive for HPV 18 is depicted. Of the 122 oral cavity cancer cases, joint positivity for HPV 16/18 and p16INK4a was observed in 33% (4/12) of gingival tumors compared to 0% (0/6)–8% (2/26) for other subsites (p = 0.01). [Display omitted] •HPV DNA and p16INK4a were each detected in ∼30% of oral cavity cases but were poorly correlated.•HPV 16, found in 22% of tumors, was the most frequently detected of seven genotypes.•Joint positivity for HPV 16 and/or 18 and p16INK4a was observed in 7% of cases.•HPV 16/18 and p16INK4a positivity was highest in gingival tumors (33%) and in more recently diagnosed cases.•Neither HPV DNA nor p16INK4a were associated with overall survival. The role of HPV in oral cavity cancers was investigated using two markers of viral exposure. HPV DNA and p16INK4a expression were evaluated in tumor tissue from a U.S. population-based sample of 122 invasive oral cavity cancer cases. HPV DNA was detected in 38 of 122 (31%) oral cavity tumors. Seven genotypes were detected including HPV 16, which was found in 22% of tumors. p16INK4a was expressed in 30% of tumors and was poorly correlated with HPV DNA detection (Kappa